The employees of the Slovak National Gallery held a press conference outside the National Gallery in Bratislava on August 21, 2024. (source: Pavel Neubauer - TASR)
Visitors hoping to visit the Slovak National Gallery (SNG) in Bratislava on Thursday, November 21, found its doors closed following a decision by interim director Miloš Timko. He ordered the closure over concerns about the “possible misuse of the gallery for political purposes.”
Two-thirds of the gallery’s employees—177 out of 270—held a press conference outside the gallery to voice their grievances and present several demands to Culture Minister Martina Šimkovičová. The minister, a former television presenter nominated for her position by the far-right Slovak National Party, is under pressure to address these demands or risk mass resignations in January, when the interim SNG director is expected to implement a new organisational structure at the gallery.
“Without such a large number of employees, it will be impossible to ensure the functioning of the gallery,” the staff warned during the press conference.
The employees raised concerns about targeted dismissals, non-transparent organisational changes, incompetence, and poor communication from Timko. In an open letter addressed to the minister—who has faced widespread protests and calls for her removal—the staff called for transparency, expertise, and open communication.
Demands by SNG employees:
Preservation of professional roles and continuity of associated projects, including senior curators and the Director of Marketing.
A halt to incompetent and targeted interventions in the organisational structure.
Transparency and dialogue regarding structural changes, with explanations based on institutional needs.
Publication of audit results, which are allegedly the basis for the proposed changes.
Protection from targeted dismissals and discrimination, with proper justification for any terminations.
Safeguarding the gallery’s reputation under a competent director who prioritises institutional interests.
Engagement in dialogue with the culture minister to resolve the critical situation.
Criticism of Šimkovičová has mounted, particularly over her dismissal of former national gallery head Alexandra Kusá and former national theatre head Matej Drlička in the summer, as well as her appointment of people seen as unqualified, including Timko. The employees also criticised Timko for occupying a small gallery flat, intended for guest use, since September. With a salary of around €3,500, Timko could afford alternative accommodation in the capital. Sme daily reported that he was expected to vacate the flat by November 22.
Additionally, staff revealed that Timko recently appointed a new deputy, who has been working at the national gallery for eight days.
Timko’s tenure as director may be short-lived. Reports suggest Šimkovičová plans to appoint a new director in December, possibly a curator from outside the gallery whom she reportedly trusts. If true, this would make it the fourth appointment in just a few months. Kusá was dismissed in August for alleged mismanagement, replaced by esoteric teacher Anton Bittner (currently the interim head of the national museum in Bratislava), and later by Timko, a self-described consultant in corporate restructuring.
On November 21, Timko not only shut the gallery but also imposed a ban on all events at or near the gallery without his prior approval, including press conferences held by revolting SNG employees.
